Counties win grand prix sponsorship

Equestrianism

The county show jumping circuit will be given a timely boost next year, with the introduction of a Grand Prix series sponsored by Daewoo, the South Korean car firm, writes Genevieve Murphy.

It will start in May when the Royal Windsor Horse Show hosts the first of 12 qualifying contests, with the Grand Prix Championship final taking place at the Royal Show in July 1997.

The package, which represents Daewoo's first sponsorship deal, will cost the firm around pounds 160,000 - which includes prizemoney of pounds 4,500 for each qualifier and pounds 15,000 for the final. The sum will also pay for trade stand space at each venue.

The series was given a warm welcome by David Broome. "In the past we always did our learning at the county shows," he said. "This will really lift our sport next year, helping us to produce horses for success at international level.''